Afghan Hound Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Afghan Hound is a glamorous, long-coated sighthound with a regal bearing and a cat-like independence. Bred to hunt in the mountains of Afghanistan, it is aloof, intelligent and surprisingly silly with those it trusts.

Origins and appearance

The breed is ancient and developed in the harsh terrain of Afghanistan to course game across rough ground. Afghans are tall and lean, with a long head, a topknot of silky hair, long drop ears, a flowing, fine, silky coat in many colors and a curled tail.

Temperament

They are aloof, independent and sensitive. They bond closely with family, and are reserved with strangers. They can be playful and goofy at home. They chase moving animals. They are stubborn and slow to obey. They dislike harsh handling.

Exercise

They need daily exercise, with walks and safe, fenced sprinting. They enjoy lure coursing. A tall, secure fence is vital. Never trust them off-leash outside fenced areas.

Training

They are intelligent but independent and unlikely to obey on cue. Use gentle, positive methods, patience and a sense of humor. Avoid harsh corrections. Early socialization helps. Recall is unreliable. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The long coat needs brushing several times a week, to the skin, and regular baths, with professional help for many owners. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Cataracts and other eye conditions
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Sensitivity to anesthesia
• Chylothorax, a rare condition

Living with an Afghan Hound

They suit patient owners with a tall, secure fence and time to groom. They need soft beds and company.

A typical day

An Afghan takes a walk or run, a bath or brush, a nap and a lounge on a cushion. They like to watch the household.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are gangly and playful. Begin socialization, handling and grooming. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for grooming costs, fencing, soft beds and vet costs. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade in heat. They travel well.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include trusting off-leash recall, skipping grooming, harsh training and weak fencing.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and thyroid tests, and the parents' temperaments. Meet the parents.

Coat care routine

Brush in sections, working from the skin outward, and mist lightly to reduce static. Bathe every few weeks and dry thoroughly. Many owners protect the ears with a snood during meals.

Aloof but funny

Many Afghans are dramatic at home, with playful, clownish behavior and sudden bursts of speed. They need space and soft places to rest.

Daily care checklist

Plan on daily exercise, brushing several times a week, ear checks, nail trims and measured meals. Provide a soft bed and a tall fence.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Afghan Hound suits patient, humorous owners who want a glamorous, independent sighthound and will groom. It may not suit those wanting an obedient dog. For a related hound, see the Saluki.

Daily life with the coat

Many owners keep the coat in full show length only for exhibitions. Pet Afghans may be clipped to a shorter, easier length, particularly in summer or if grooming time is limited. If you keep the full coat, set aside an hour or two twice a week, and keep the dog clean and dry. Wrap the topknot and ears at mealtimes, and watch for burrs after walks.

Training with humor

An Afghan will rarely do something just because you asked. Use games, treats and patience, and try tricks that the dog finds fun. A dog that trusts you is more likely to cooperate, though a clear recall remains unlikely.

The takeaway

Afghan Hounds are glamorous, aloof and independent, and they need grooming, secure fencing and patience.